Things to do in Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids has a lot to do and see. Below are some famous landmarks and destinations to see when next visiting the area. For more information about Cedar Rapids, IA, please click here.
African American Museum of Iowa
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In the African American Museum of Iowa, you will be amazed at the deep and rich Iowa African-American history to include the desegregation of the state's public school system. Also included is the Iowan history of activism years before the Civil Rights Movement. The facility provides both permanent and traveling exhibits, and be sure not to miss the "Endless Possibilities." There are also kid-friendly interactive exhibits for families.
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Brucemore Mansion
Start your tour of Cedar Rapids with a visit to Brucemore, which is a National Trust Historic Site and a famous Cedar Rapids landmark. The home inspired the famous Downton Abbey popularity, mansion, and lifestyle with the United State. The Queen Anne-Style mansion sits on 26 acres of park-like land. During your visit you can partake in touring the estate, walking the extensive gardens, seeing various exhibits, and even catch a performance in the outdoor amphitheater. Be sure to catch the "Nooks and Crannies" tour to peak into the inside lives of the residents. There is also rumored to be a ghost or two roaming the hallways so keep a look out for their presence.
Czech Village at the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library
A unique local museum, the historic Czech Village at the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library, is a beautiful facility and library dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Slovak and Czech culture and history. The museum has both traveling and permanent pieces and exhibits.
Ushers Ferry Historic Village
If you have extra time on your visit, be certain to see Ushers Ferry Historic Village. This special venue is family-friendly for its activities, programs, and events that provide a glimpse into small-town Iowa life near the beginning of the twentieth century. Sitting on the beautiful 10-acre Seminole Park, Ushers Ferry includes over 20 historic buildings that will help provide you with a perspective of small-town Iowa life between 1890 and 1910.
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
After the Brucemore, consider visiting the CRMA. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is home to over 7,000 works of art from Greek antiquity to the modern day. The facility is also home to the largest collection of Grant Wood art. Additionally, the Grant Wood Studio is operated and owned by the Museum. The studio is built into a 1,000-foot space crafted from native woods and also provides a living space. The uniqueness of the studio includes a door in which Mr, Wood would spin a needle to signify his current status: "Out of Town, "Taking a Bath, "In", or "Having a Party". The CRMA is not to be missed on a visit to Cedar Rapids, IA.
Iowa Masonic Lodge & Museum Grand Lodge of Iowa
Spend part of a day at the Iowa Masonic Lodge & Museum Grand Lodge of Iowa. The masterpiece is crafted from virgin white marble with a library housing the best collection of Masonic books in the world. Be sure to arrange a free tour by calling in advance of your visit. The Lodge and Museum do not discriminate as it is open to anyone, regardless if you a Free Mason or not. An aspect of the Museum not to be missed is the Lincoln Collection. It contains biographies and histories of Abraham Lincoln and expressed his ideas and thinking most closely related to Masonry.
